Atlanta Falcons LBs Sean Weatherspoon (knee) and Stephen Nicholas (hernia) are both expected to be ready for the team's mandatory minicamp that takes place next week. "I'm fairly confident that when we start our mandatory minicamp that both of those guys will be out there," Smith said. "They have done probably more workload over on the side with the trainers than what they would put in during a particular practice. We think they're real close. We want to make sure that they get another couple of days with the trainers before we bring them out."

Atlanta Falcons LB Stephen Nicholas (hernia) and LB Sean Weatherspoon (knee) will not be able to participate in organized team activities next week because they are recovering from offseason surgeries. Both are expected to take part in OTAs in June and will be ready for the team's minicamp.

Atlanta Falcons LB Stephen Nicholas (ankle) was limited to only special teams work in Week 6 because of his ankle injury. Head coach Mike Smith said Nicholas was limited in order to have him healthy in upcoming weeks.

Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith said the team hopes LB Stephen Nicholas' (ankle) ankle injury will improve over the next few days. Nicholas tried to re-enter the game Week 5 after suffering the injury but had to leave the game for a second time.